Additional sessions judge N P Dhote also imposed a fine of Rs 13,500 on all the seven accused

Gangster Balu Waghere of Pimpri and his six accomplices were Wednesday sentenced to life for murdering, in 2007, Kiran Suryawanshi, who they believed had helped their rival Rakesh Bharne in getting legal aid.

Additional sessions judge N P Dhote passed the sentence and also imposed a fine of Rs 13,500 on all the seven accused.

His six accomplices are identified as Satosh Jadhav of Uruli Kanchan, Baban Ranware of Baner, Sanjay Shinde of Pimpri, Dilip Namdev Bharne of Maangaon, Sudheer Kshirsagar and Jaynath Phadtare, both from Kasba Peth. One of the accused, Sanjay Deshmukh of Bibvewadi, reportedly absconded after he was released on bail.

Police said that Rakesh Bharne and Waghere were earlier aides, but split in 2006 when Bharne formed his own gang. There was rivalry between the two since then and on September 29, 2007, Waghere and his accomplices shot dead Suryawanshi, a resident of Aundh Road, as they thought he was assisting Bharne in arranging money and legal help for court proceedings.

Waghere's gang murdered Suryawanshi on Bhor — Shirwal Road and then dumped his body in a ditch on Mahad — Pandharpur Road in Bhor.

Suryanwashi's friend Gaikwad, a key eye-witness in the case lodged a complaint in this case at Khadki police station. He was given protection as he reportedly received threats before his deposition in the court. Suryawanshi was with Gaikwad when he was murdered. The assailants had let Gaikwad free as he assured them he would not tell anyone of the murder.

A team led by inspector Bhanupratap Barge and assistant inspector Raghunath Phuge, who were then heading the anti-extortion cell of Pune police crime branch had nabbed Waghire and his accomplices at Barshi in Solapur district on October 1, 2007. Meanwhile, additional public prosecutor Chandrakiran Salvi examined 20 witnessed in this case to prove the guilt.

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